I am writing to ask Shipping Branches and seafarer members to respond to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s initial questions on changes to British Seamans Cards that would bring them into line with ILO Convention 185 on Seafarers’ Identity Documents (SIDs).

At present British Seamans Cards (BSCs) are mainly issued by the Registry of Shipping and Seamen (RSS) in Cardiff, in line with ILO Convention 108 on SIDs from 1955. The main impacts of ILO Convention 185 are the inclusion of new security features similar to an e-passport and moving to a credit-card style SID. ILO 185 compliant SIDs are expected to become the international legal standard documentation for Ratings and Officers.

The MCA is now starting the process of UK ratification of ILO 185. The questions relevant to RMT members are attached to this Circular. You are asked to provide your responses by Wednesday 11th September. Please email responses to the National Policy Department at d.crimes@rmt.org.uk by this deadline to ensure that members’ views are included in their Union’s formal response.

The MCA has also indicated that they will hold a full, formal consultation before any changes are made to the current system of British Seamans Cards.

It would be appreciated if you could bring the content of this circular to the attention of all branch members and you will be updated with further developments.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash

General Secretary

ILO Convention 185 Seafarer Identity Documents (SIDs) – MCA Questions

1. Do you support in principle the proposal to ratify ILO 185 and implement the new standard SID?

• The new standard provides for the similar security features for the holder as current UK e-passports and travel documents. The proposal is to issue SIDs in the compact credit card sized format;

• The application and issuing process could be streamlined making it faster and simpler;

• Checks on identity and bona fide seafarer status could be improved;

• It is possible that the old ILO Convention No 108 (1955) will be withdrawn at some stage in the future leaving the UK unable to issue internationally recognised SIDs;